August in Kentucky is a hot, muggy month known for back-to-school shopping, lake days, and the State Fair. The first time I visited the State Fair, I was 16 years old and competing in the meat judging competition with my local FFA chapter. I expected the experience to somewhat resemble a local fair: a few rides you had to be 4'11" to ride, lots of roadside trash, and overpriced deep-fried Oreos.

To say that I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the State Fair is nothing like a local fair would be an understatement. The fairgrounds were buzzing with an infectious energy as performers began their routines and vendors set up their tables.There are a variety of reasons to go check out the State Fair, but here are a few of my personal favorites.

• The Vendors. The salesmen at the State Fair have everything from belt buckles to name-brand wallets. These vendors can be a little pushy when it comes to sales, but they’re usually some of the friendliest people you could ever meet, willing to help you work out a deal if there’s something you’re dying to have. Not to mention the fact that the vendors' room is HUGE.
• Free Concerts. The free outdoor concert series offers a different big-name performer every day, from Casting Crowns to the Charlie Daniels Band. There’s nothing quite like swaying to the music after dark with a group of friends. The added bonus is that these concerts all lead up to the big concerts later that night in Freedom Hall. Did I mention that they’re free? Click the link to view this years artists: http://www.kystatefair.org/theTurfConcertSeries.ht...
• Free Entertainment. Everywhere you go, something is happening: magic acts, skits, talent shows, how-to presentations, dog shows, motivational speeches; it’s all there! There’s even a mock trial you can participate in hosted by the Kentucky Justice Association. No matter where you are in the fairgrounds, something is bound to be happening. Click the link to view this year's daily shows: http://www.kystatefair.org/dailyShows.html
• FOOOOOOOOD. Fair food, while phenomenally bad for you, is beyond delicious. Fried Twinkies anybody? Or even better, the doughnut burger.
• Cloverville. My personal favorite, Cloverville, is one of the coolest displays at the State Fair. Home of every awesome scrapbooking/cake decorating/sewing project that won at the local level, this display is a great look at projects the youth around the state are working on. You’re even likely to meet a Kentucky 4-H State Officer if you visit.
• Animals. Now, I may not show animals, but I can appreciate the work that’s put into showing them. Hundreds of animals – from ducks and chickens to cattle and horses – all come together at the State Fair for judging and showmanship competitions. If raising animals or showing animals is something you’re interested in, this is the place to go.
• The People. During a trip to the State Fair, you’re bound to meet at least a dozen strangers from all over the state and even out of state. Since the State Fair is in Louisville, it's an easy way to meet in the middle with friends from the other side of the state for a day of fun!

All in all, the State Fair is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. A trip to the fair is full of shopping, food, free concerts, great friends, and new experiences at every turn. If you ever have the opportunity to make the trip, do it!